How to Ask for a Referral for a Job: An Email Template

Updated 6/19/2020

You’ve found your dream job at a company, and lo and behold, you know someone there! Here’s an easy-to-adapt email template to use to ask for a referral for a job.

You’ve found your dream job at a company, and lo and behold, you know someone there! So, what now?

It’s more than appropriate to ask for a referral to the company or hiring manager—you just have to go about it the right way. Here’s an easy-to-adapt email template to use next time you need it.

Subject

Introduction to [Contact Name] at [Company Name]

Body

Hi [Contact Name],

I hope you are well. I’ve recently been applying to jobs in [industry/job type] and discovered a position that would be a great fit: [position name with link to it] at [Company Name].

I noticed that you’re connect to [Target Name], who is a [job title] at [Company Name], and was hoping that you could introduce us. If you feel comfortable doing so, your referral would mean a lot to me.

I’ve included a few lines on me below, as well as my resume, to provide context. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide that might be helpful.

Thank you so much in advance for your help,
[Your Name]

Pro Tips

Include a few lines that your contact can cut and paste, making you sound awesome, as well as a link to your LinkedIn profile and your tailored resume. It’ll make recommending you that much easier!
Ideally, your contacts should know you’re job hunting before you approach them. Try our “Help Me Find a Job!” email template to enlist your network in your search.

Alex is the President & Founder of The Muse, where she focuses on the growth and operations of the fast-growing business and pursuing constant innovation. Her book The New Rules of Work, written with her co-founder Kathryn, came out in April 2017. Outside the office, Alex can be found on her road bike or deep in a book. She also loves productivity hacks more than candy.